What is the proper order of surgical asepsis?

• A. Don sterile gloves, Establish sterile field, Collect supplies, Open sterile supplies/add to field, Maintain principles of surgical asepsis
• B. Collect supplies, Establish sterile field, Open sterile supplies/add to field, Don sterile gloves, Maintain principles of surgical asepsis
• C. Open sterile supplies, Collect supplies, Don gloves, Establish sterile field
• D. Establish sterile field, Collect supplies, Open sterile supplies, Don gloves

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to set up and maintain a clean, defined sterile area before handling any sterile items. Start by gathering all supplies so you know what you’ll work with. Then establish the sterile field, which creates the boundary that defines what remains sterile during the procedure. With the field in place, open sterile supplies and add them to the field in a way that keeps the contents sterile and prevents contamination from non-sterile surfaces. After the field and its contents are prepared, don sterile gloves so you can handle items on the sterile field without transferring microbes from your hands. Throughout, maintain aseptic technique to prevent breaks in sterility. Opening packs or handling items before the field is established increases the risk of contamination, and donning gloves before the field is ready can compromise the sterile environment.